Sport Fishing in Costa Rica

While in Costa Rica you can find outstanding sport fishing opportunities on the coast of both oceans and at the lake at Arenal Volcano and in some rivers. Costa Rica is well-known throughout the world for the richness and diversity of the species inhabiting our waters.

With two oceans, magnificent inland lakes and countless miles of rivers, no place in the world has better year-around fishing than Costa Rica.

A myriad of species can be found in the seas surrounding the beautiful country of Costa Rica as well as in its rivers and lakes. Following are some of the most popular catches and their respective habitats.

Pacific Coast

Pacific sailfish: in the north, peak season is May to September

Pacific sailfish: in the south, November to March.

Marlin: blue, black and striped.

Also: Tuna, dorado, giant grouper, mackerel and pompano.

Caribbean Coast

Tarpon: season peaks December to mid-May.

Snook: a favorite, good trolling from late August to November.

Calba: a smaller snook, abundant in December and January.

Silver kings: good action from mid-July to August.

Also: Jacks and mackerels.

Freshwaters

Bobo: a native fish of the mullet family.

Machaca: another Costa Rica native.

Guapote: related to the peacock bass.

Also: Mojarra, catfish, rainbow trout and drum.

Competition

The International Sailfish Tournament is sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Institute in cooperation with the Amateur Fishing Club.

LicensingFor fresh and saltwater fishing, a license is required. Both temporary and seasonal licenses are available.